Combination chair-walker



S WINTERS COMBINATION CHAIR-WALKER March 3, 1970 Filed Nov. 21, 1968 United States Patent 3,498,667 COMBINATION CHAIR-WALKER Samuel Winters, 1801 Randolph Drive, Pocahontas, Ark. 72455 Filed Nov. 21, 1968, Ser. No. 777,672 Int. Cl. A61h 3/00; A63c 3/04 US. Cl. 2975 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to a combination chair-walker for invalids comprising apair of aligned frame members, each having generally vertical front and rear portions and an upper arch-shaped portion, and having wheels at the ends of the rear vertical portions. Hand grips extend rearwardly from the front portions of the frame members, and a seat is mounted between the rear portions. In the preferred embodiment, grip support members are provided between the hand grips and the ground, and a chair back, arm rests, and arm rest support members are also provided. The arm rest support members also provide support for the seat.

The present invention relates to an improved combination chair-walker, and more particularly to a combination chair-walker which affords ease of entry and exit.

While combination chair-walkers for invalids are not new, most of the devices heretofore available have been cumbersome, and have been difiicult to get into and out of, especially for persons who find it difficult to move about.

Generally, the present invention relates to an improved combination chair-walker which affords particular ease of entry and exit. In its basic form, the invention comprises a pair of aligned frame members, each having a generally vertical front portion, a generally vertical gear portion, and an upper arch-shaped portion connecting the vertical portions. The front and rear portions of the frame members each terminate in a front end and a rear end, respectively. Connecting means are connected between the frame members to maintain the frame members in aligned, spaced, side-by-side relationship. A hand grip projects rearwardly from the front portion of each of the frame members, and a seat is suspended between the rear portions of the frame members, projecting generally forwardly therefrom. At the rear end of each frame member, a wheel is mounted to permit the chair-walker to be easily moved in either a forward or rearward direction.

The invention, together with its organization and method of operation, will be best appreciated by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a combination chair-walker constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevation view of the combination chair-walker shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of an upper portion of the combination chair-walker, showing a canopy mounted thereon.

FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes a pair of aligned, parallel frame members, each designated generally by reference numeral 10. Each frame member 10 has a generally vertical front portion 12, a generally vertical rear portion 14, and an upper arch-shaped portion 16 connectin the vertical portions 12, 14. The vertical front portions 12 each terminate in a front end 18, and the rear portions each terminate in a rear end 20. In the preferred embodiment, the front ends 18 are each covered with a cap Patented Mar. 3, 1970 22 of resilient material such as rubber, nylon, or the like.

As shown in FIGURE 1, the frame members 10 are rigidly maintained side-by-side in aligned, parallel, spaced relationship by suitable connecting means, in the preferred embodiment comprising a pair of front connecting members 23 and a pair of rear connecting members 24 connected between the front and rear portions 12, 14, respectively, of the frame members 10. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the rear end 20 of each rear vertical portion 12 of the frame members 10 has a wheel or caster 25 to permit the device to be easily moved about as hereinafter described.

Projecting rearwardly from the vertical front portion 12 of each frame member 10 is a hand grip 26. For maximum strength combined with minimum weight, the apparatus also preferably includes a generally vertical hand grip support member 28 extending downwardly from each hand grip 26. This vertical support member 28 extends downwardly a distance sufiicient to contact a flat surface, such as a floor, when the wheels 25 and the front ends 18 are also in contact with the surface. In the embodiment shown, the hand grips 26 and support members 28 are each made from a single piece of material, bent to extend rearwardly from the front portion 12 of each frame member 10 and then downwardly to contact the ground. Each hand grip 26 preferably has a covering 30 of resilient material such as rubber, nylon, or the like. As also shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, in the preferred embodiment the apparatus includes a brace member 32 projecting generally rearwardly from the front portion 12 of each frame member 10, and connected between the front portion 12 and the support member 28. Each hand grip support member 28 also preferably has a cap 34 at the end, of suitable resilient material.

A seat 36 is suspended between the rear portions 14 of the frame members 10, projecting generally forwardly therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, a chair back 38 is also connected between the rear portions 14, and properly slanted to permit seating comfort. In the embodiment shown, the chair back 38 is connected to one of the connecting members 24 between the frame members 10. The chair back 38 and/ or the seat 36 may also perform the function of the rear connecting means, properly maintaining the rear portions 14 of the frame member 12 in aligned, spaced relationship. In such case, the separate rear connecting members 24 may be eliminated.

In the preferred embodiment, a generally horizontal arm-rest 40 projects forwardly from the rear portion 14 of each frame member 10. These arm-rests 40 are located above level of the seat 36. A generally vertical arm-rest support member 42 extends downwardly from each armrest 40 to contact a flat surface such as a floor when the wheels 25 and the front ends 18 are also in contact with the surface. The arm-rest support members 42 also support a front portion of the seat 36. This arrangement provides rigidity to maintain the arm-rest 40 and support members 42 in properly aligned relationship. Each of these arm-rest support members 42 preferably has a cap 44 of resilient material on the end.

Referring to FIGURE 3, the design of the apparatus of the present invention conveniently permits the use of a canopy 50 fitted over the arch-shaped portions 16 of the frame members 10. Such a canopy 50 provides shade and protection from the elements. The canopy 50 may be attached by suitable attaching means such as snaps on the frame members 10 and mating snaps 52 properly positioned on the canopy 50. The canopy 50 is suitably made of any durable, lightweight material.

Of course, light weight is especially important, since the device is intended for use by'invalids. Accordingly, the overall apparatus is preferably constructed of light- 3 Weight materials such as aluminum tubing, rigid plastics, and the like.

To use the apparatus of the present invention, the user simply stands between the frame members 10 facing in a forward direction. To walk forwardly, he grips the hand grips 28, lifts the forward portion of the apparatus, and moves it forwardly. It will move easily in a forward direction as a result of the turning of the wheels 25. To take a step, the user lowers the forward portion of the ap paratus to the ground, and supports himself while he takes a step. This portion of the operation is similar to that for any walker conventionally for invalids, as is Well known in the art. .Should the user desire to rest, he may simply seat himself on the seat 36.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention as hereinbefore set forth will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A combination chair-walker comprising: a pair of aligned frame members, each having a generally vertical front portion, a generally vertical rear portion, and an upper arch-shaped portion connecting said vertical portions, said front and rear portions each terminating in a front and a rear end, respectively; connecting means connected between said frame members to maintain said frame members in aligned, spaced side-by-side relationship; a hand grip projecting rearwardly from said front portion of each of said frame members; a seat suspended between said rear portions of said frame members and projecting generally forwardly therefrom; a wheel at said rear end of each frame member; and a pair of generally vertical hand grip support members extending downwardly from said hand grips to contact a flat surface when said wheels and said front ends of said frame members are in contact with said surface.

2. The combination chair-walker as defined in claim 1 further including a generally horizontal arm-rest projecting forwardly from said rear portion of each frame member.

3. The combination chair-walker as defined in claim 2 further including a chair back portion connected between said rear portions of said frame members.

4. The combination chair-walker as defined in claim 1 further including a canpoy adapted for attachment to an upper portion of said frame members.

5. A combination chair-walker comprising: a pair of aligned frame members, each having a generally vertical front portion, a generally vertical rear portion, and an upcr arch-shaped portion connecting said vertical portions, said front and rear portions each terminating in a front end and a rear end, respectively; connecting means between said frame members to maintain said members in aligned, space side-by-side relationship; a wheel at the rear end of each frame member; a hand grip projecting rearwardly from said front portion of each of said frame members; a seat suspended between said rear portions of said frame members and projecting generally forwardly therefrom; a chair back portion connected between said rear portions of said frame members; a generally horizontal arm-rest projecting forwardly from said rear por tion of each frame member; and a generally vertical armrest support member extending downwardly from each arm rest to contact a fiat surface when said wheels and said front ends of said frame members are in contact with said surface, said arm-rest support members also being connected to a forward portion of said seat to provide support therefor.

6. A combination chair-walker comprising: a pair of aligned frame members, each having a generally vertical front portion, a generally vertical rear portion, and an upper arch-shaped portion connecting said vertical portions, said front and rear portions each terminating in a front end and a rear end, respectively; connecting means between said frame members to maintain said members in aligned, spaced side-by-side relationship; a wheel at the rear end of each frame member; a hand grip projecting rearwardly from said front portion of each of said frame members; a generally vertical hand grip support member extending downwardly from each of said hand grips to contact a flat surface when said wheels and said front ends of said frame members are in contact with said surface; a seat suspended between said rear portions of said frame members and projecting generally forwardly therefrom; a generally horizontal arm-rest projecting forwardly from said rear portion of each frame member; and a generally vertical arm-rest support member extending downwardly from each arm-rest to contact a flat surface when said wheels and said front ends of said frame members are in contact with said surface, said arm-rest support members also being connected to a forward portion of said seat to provide support therefor.

7. The combination chair-walker as defined in claim 6 further including a canopy adapted for attachment to an upper portion of said frame member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 673,100 4/1901 Tyler 297-5 894,949 8/1908 Hendricks 280-43.24 XR 1,471,749 10/1923 Monroe 2975 XR 2,981,312 4/1961 Sundberg.

DONALD A. GRIFFIN, Primary Examiner 

